The name Sterculia lanceifolia was first published as a nomen nudum in 1814 (Roxburgh, Hort. Bengal. 50. 1814) and is sometimes indicated as having been validated by G. Don (Gen. Hist. 1: 517. 1831, "lancaefolia") but Don only listed the name at the end of the account of Sterculia, under "Species the names of which are only known," stating "Tree 30 feet." Some would regard this as a validating description.